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The
1929 Buller Earthquake |
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During
the days that lead up to 17th June 1929, colossal pressure built
up on the many faultlines that run like veins through the north-west
Nelson region. Somewhere along that system, at 10.17 am, the strata finally
gave way, taking the stress along other faults to snapping point.The
result was an earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter Scale, felt nearly
all over New Zealand and causing massive devastation through Nelson and
the West Coast. Although the event has been best known since as the
Murchison earthquake, there were also epicentres well to the east, west
and north. |
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The
most dramatic example of the earth's movement was seen along the White
Creek Fault. On the eastern side of the fault, the earth was thrust 4.5
metres upward, the surface sign of a deep-seated rock fracture. As you
walk through Buller Gorge Swingbridge Adventure and Heritage park you can
walk alongside and view the displacement. Across from White Creek, the
upthrust formed an impassable barrier to motorists. Reforming the
road around this and many other quake-formed obstacles took several months. |
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The
White Creek Upthrust caused by the earthquake |
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